AT&T, One Economy extend broadband to low-income Chicago families

AT&T (NYSE: T) in partnership with One Economy, a non-profit organization focused on educating and bringing low-income families more affordable wireline and broadband service, will jointly deliver digital literacy programs, high speed access and refurbished computer equipment to about 1,600 residents in Chicago.

One Economy

Specifically, the program which is made possible via the We Are Now Connected campaign will provide broadband and technology services to Mercy Housing Lakefront residential community.

The We Are Now Connected campaign was funded through a $28.5 million Broadband Opportunity Technology Program grant.

While there has been a lot of emphasis lately bridging the broadband adoption gap through lower priced services, including a recent initiative by CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL), One Economy's program is also about providing education on how a broadband connection can be used for other activities, including education and conducting job searches.

"We Are Now Connected is not just about Internet access, but about helping residents learn how to use broadband to find a job, access health care information, manage finances, and improve their quality of life," said Felix Matlock, Vice President of Mercy Housing Lakefront at the Englewood Apartments. "This initiative will not only help the individual residents, but it will help stimulate and strengthen the Englewood community and the entire city."

Already providing a similar program to 600 low-income households in San Diego County and other areas in northern and central California, the group said the program will ultimately reach 30 other states and the District of Columbia over the course of the next year.